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About Turkey (TR)

Turkey (TR) is a deceptively charming combination of Asian, European, and Middle Eastern influences, and a product of its geographic position between the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea. Once a major hub of the Silk Road, Turkey is a sort of crossroads between “worlds” — head northwest to Greece and the rest of Europe, south to Syria and the Middle East, or set off for Asia via Iran. But Turkey is a prime destination for leisure travel in its own right, with thousands of kilometers of coastline, hundreds of idyllic islands in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, the historic cities of Istanbul and Ankara, home to ancient Greek and Roman ruins. And its regional cultural differences make Turkey seem like half a dozen different countries under the same flag.

Getting around

Getting around Turkey is most convenient, efficient, and affordable for visitors who rent a car. Its highway system is extremely similar to European countries and most rules of the road will be familiar to drivers from all Western nations. The primary challenges are congestion in major cities and covering long distances between destinations. Otherwise, driving in Turkey has a definitively European influence. Service stations are plentiful, and fuel prices are reasonable. Compared to a number of regional destinations — Morocco, for example — Turkish roads and driving habits are within the range of safe and lawful. It should be noted that driving in rural areas after dark is not recommended.

Most Turkish cities are circled by ring roads that bypass the city center. To access the central district of any city, look for signs that read “Centrum”.

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Police checkpoints are common throughout the country, but particularly in the southeast and around Ankara.

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Turkish road signs are very similar to those found in Europe. Green signs indicate routes to motorways (high-speed toll roads). Blue signs indicate toll-free highways. White signs indicate rural roads. And brown signs indicate a place of interest.

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The motorways are generally much faster than their free counterparts. Toll collection is electronic-only. Your car hire provider will probably offer you an option to avail of a transponder, or you can go it alone and buy a pre-paid card from a fuel station, or at entrances to the motorways.

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One wrinkle of the motorway toll system is a fluctuating payment system based on both distance traveled and the type of vehicle. SUVs and minivans pay a higher rate.

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Traffic lights in Turkey are positioned in front of the intersection, so if you pull all the way up to the line, you won’t be able to see them clearly, and hence, your reaction time may be a bit slower. Turkish drivers are infamous for use of their car horns, but if you stay off the line, you’ll cut down on the number of impatient honks from drivers behind you, who can clearly see the light turned green 0.3 seconds earlier.

THE URBAN SPEED LIMIT IS

50 kph | 31.1 mph

THE RURAL SPEED LIMIT IS

90 kph | 55.9 mph

THE MOTORWAY SPEED LIMIT IS

120 kph | 74.6 mph

THE FUEL PRICE IS

SEE PRICES

THE CURRENCY IS

TRY

THE ROAD DRIVING SIDE IS THE

Right

THE MINIMUM DRIVING AGE IS

18 years of age21 years of age to RENT

EMERGENCY SERVICE NUMBERS

112

DOCUMENT

License

IDP

Passport

Insurance

Registration

Turkey Driving Ideas Guide

Turkish history is a rich patchwork covering more than 4000 years - a diverse modern country steeped in fascinating history.

Turkey is at the northeast end of the Mediterranean Sea, straddling Europe and Asia and divided by the Dardanelles, the Sea of Marmara, and the Bosporus.

With big landscapes, tall mountains, expansive farmland and unspoilt villages, Turkey is made for driving and cruising through the countryside is highly rewarding.During your visit to Turkey you can also join in on a variety of activities such as diving, rafting, hiking, caving and sailing or skiing in winter.

Fall in love with magnificent Istanbul

Istanbul, once known as Constantinople, is the most populous city in Turkey and driving from east to west can take several hours. Istanbul is a melting pot of cultures and although not the capital of Turkey, a visit to Turkey is incomplete without spending time in this magnificent city. A photo on the Bosporus Bridge is a must-have to share.

The list of things to do and see in Istanbul is endless and many of the places do not charge an entrance fee. The famous Grand Bazaar and exotic Spice Bazaar are the places to shop for gifts and souvenirs.You are expected to bargain with the shopkeepers, which mean you can negotiate amazing deals if you have the patience!And don’t miss the chance to taste the delicacies of the Istanbul cuisine.

A tour on the Bosphorus is a good starting point to witness the unique beauty of the city skyline.Fascinating places like Dolmabahce Palace, the 6th century Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque in the Sultanahmet area and Suleymaniye Mosque are the best-known sights of Istanbul and have all stood the test of centuries.

Cappadocia — exploring the home of fairies

Cappadocia, with its mesmerizing ‘fairy chimneys’, is one of the most remarkable places in Turkey.The best way to view the real beauty of the region, is to take a hot air balloon tour which will leave you with unforgettable memories.

The town of Avanos, on the banks of the Kizilirmak River, northern Cappadocia, is famous for its pottery-making. From there you have a choice of short drives. It is a mere 18 km to Nevsehir, the capital city of the province, or 17 km southeast to Urgup.Urgup is the region's most upscale and contemporary tourist city, with many centuries-old cave dwellings and fairy chimneys, rock churches and vineyards. A mix of ancient and modern, Urgup is a centre for traditional handmade carpets, but also has a lively nightlife.

The Ihlara Valley, 97 km southwest of Nevsehir, is a 14 km long gorge cut into volcanic rock in the southern part of Cappadocia. The canyon is home to over 100 carved churches and an estimated 4,000 dwellings hidden in the cliff walls.The Valley boasts unique flora with spectacular scenery.

Kayseri Erkilet Airport is closest to the Cappadocia region.

Antalya is a piece of heaven rising from the Mediterranean

Antalya is one of the major ancient cities of the Mediterranean with world-renowned natural beauty. Do not leave without visiting the streets within the historical Kaleici district. Then you can head down to the modern city centre and enjoy some shopping and leisure time at the Bazaar. Or for a really exhilarating day, drop in at the amazing water parks of Aqualand and Dolphinland.

Driving up the coast and exploring different beaches is great fun and can be a full day excursion. There are many natural white sandy beaches along the coast stretching all the way to Side and Gazipasa.

Turkey has so much to see and do all year round — just choose a date.To find the best deals and choices for rental cars and accommodation you need not look further than Cheaperthancars and Cheaperthanhotels. When you spend less on the deals and choice we offer you really will have more to do with the money you save.

Turkey is waiting for you!

The Cheaperthancars Team

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